Attempts to Develop a Conmercial Insecticide 
from the Castor-Bean Plant 
An insecticide derived from the leaves of the castor-bean 
plant was reported irtiich could be produced commercially both for 
household-pest extermination and for agricultural uses*— Reimold (40) • 
Id. an editorial discussing the various uses of castor-beans, 
it Was said -Uiat the povdered leaves produce an insecticide nhioh 
has been extensively tried, especially in citrus groves, and found 
effective in repelling aphids, mosquitoes, -whiteflies, and mist 
mites*— Anonynoxui (4)* 
A new proprietary spray containing an eoctract from leaves of 
the castor-bean plant was claimed to have been highly effective 
against all kinds of inject pests, operating both as a contact and 
as a stomach poison, and was stated to have been used in large-scale 
experiments, principally in Florida, for the protection of garden 
truck and citrus fruits.— Qioleoker] (28) * 
Florida entomologists tested a liquid castor-plant product which 
was placed on the market in 1940 and early in 1941, but it was \m- 
satisfactory for control of five species of insects*— Anonymous (6^)* 
It was reported in 1942 that a oomraeroial company was producing 
insectioidal toxins derived from the castor-bean plant* Ml the 
toxins in the plant had not been isolated, but the products were 
described as satisfactory for th« control of scale insects and 
several species of spiders in Florida citrus groves and in New 
England apple orchards* Castor-bean extracts were said to be suit- 
able for agriooXtural inseotioides, but not for household use*— 
Anonymous ([s) • See also Anonynous (?) * 
Mbl inseoticide from the extractives of the leaves and other 
parts of the oastor-bean plant, called Spra-East, at first was 
made In liquid form, and iriien diluted 1 part to 60 parts of water 
served well in the citrus groves of Florida* Ihe dry Spra-East, 
developed later, was even more potent and more successful; 4 pounds 
of it were used in 100 gallons of water* Insects reported as 
controlled by Spra-East include many infesting beans, beets, oabbagt^ 
cucumbers, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, melons, lettuce, and peas*— 
(TOood] (23). 
A patent pertains to an insecticide, containing extracts of the 
leaves and stalks of the oastor-bean plant, irtiich is effective against 
dog and cat fleas, the sticktight flea, diicken lioe, and mites.— 
Van Over (49 ) • 
A commercial insecticide made from the castor-bean plant was 
reported to have excellent wetting-asd spreading qualities and to be 
